Coin controlled timer system



y 1963 H. GREENWALD 3,099,341

com CONTROLLED TIMER SYSTEM Filed March a, 1961 INVENTOR.

Harry Greenwald i M J ad.

AT TO RN EY 3,999,341 Patented July 30, 1963 "ice 3,0,341 COIN C(DNTRGLLED TIMER SYSTEM Harry Greenwald, Whitestone, N.Y., assignor to H. Greenwald Co. Inc, Brooklyn, N.Y., a corporation Filed Mar. 6, 1961, Ser. No. 93,428 7 Claims. (Cl. 194-9) This invention relates to coin controlled apparatus of the type including a sequence timer which, when energized, causes the apparatus to operate through a cycle involving a predetermined sequence of functions and then to return to its initial off or start position. Examples of such apparatus include automatic laundry appliances, automatic cookers, and the like.

In many instances, it is desirable that coin controlled apparatus be designed for readily selective setting as to the number of coins, of a particular denomination, required to initiate its operating cycle. Considering certain necessary other conditions, such as automatic re-setting at the end of the cycle, coin rejection after initiation of the cycle, and rejection of spurious coins or slugs, design of a simple control system which may be easily re-set, as desired, with respect to the number of coins required to initiate operation, has presented numerous difiicu lties. As a result, there has not yet been practically available a simple easily serviced and easily set arrangement or system of this type.

In accordance with the present invention, a novel control system for a sequence timer is provided, which is designed not only for automatic re-setting but also for ready re-setting as to the number of coins required. More specifically, a coin operated switch controls a stepping switch which continues to step, with each insertion of a proper coin until the number of steps equals a predetermined number of steps pre-set on a setting switch. At such time, a series energizing circuit for the contactor coil is closed to reverse the position of a single pole, double throw switch normally closing a circuit in which is incorporated the coin operated switch and a coin rejector magnet coil.

As the double throw switch is so reversed, it energizes a load circuit including a sequence or cycle timer. This timer includes a normally open contact set which is closed near the end of the operating cycle. This contact set is included in a re-set circuit in parallel with the series connected stepping and setting switches, and the re-set circuit includes a wipe-out coil controlling a normally closed wipe-out switch. As the contact set is closed, the wipeout coil is energized, and it restores or re-sets the stepping switch to its zero position. At the same time, the wipeout coil closes a wipe-out coil switch in series therewith to establish a by-pass circuit to energize the contactor coil to hold the latter in the running position until the by-pass contact set in the timer is re-opened to de-energize the appliance.

For an understanding of the invention principles, reference is made to the following description of a typical embodiment thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawing. In the drawing, the single FIGURE is a schematic wiring diagram of a coin meter system embodying the invention.

Referring to the drawing, the coin meter system is illustrated as energized over a pair of supply lines 11 and 12 connected to input terminals 13 and 14. The system includes a coin operated switch disposed in a coin chute 15 in the path of coins therethrough, so that switch 10 disengages normally closed contact 10A and engages normally open contact 10B. Switch 10, when engaged with its normally closed contact 16A, closes a series circuit between lines 1 1 and 12 including switch arm 31, contact 32, switch 10, contact NA and control coil 17 for a coin rejector magnet. When switch 10' engages normally open contact 10B, it opens this series circuit and closes a second series circuit including switch arm 31, contact 32, switch 10, contact 10B and the operating coil 21 of a stepping switch By the just described circuit connections, a condition is set up wherein, when switch 10, which is usually a spring leaf, is disengaged from contact 10A and remains so disengaged because of a bent coin or a blocked coin passage, all subsequently deposited coins will be rejected due to control coil 17 remaining de-energized.

Stepping switch 20 includes an arm 22 stepped sequentially along contacts 23. Each contact 23 of switch 20 is connected to a corresponding contact 26 of a setting switch having a setting arm 27 manually selectively engageable with a pre-selected contact 26. The setting of arm 27 determines the number of coins required to initiate operation.

Arm 22 of stepping switch 20 is connected to line 11, and arm 27 of setting switch 25, which latter is preferably a wafer switch, is connected, in series with a contactor coil 3%, to line 12. Contactor coil 30 operates the arm 31 of a single pole, double throw switch 35. Arm or pole 3 is connected to line 11 and, in advance of the start of a cycle, is engaged with a contact 32 connected by conductor 18 to junction point. Thus, switch 10 is connected to line '11 in advance of the start of an operating cycle. The other contact 33 of switch 35 is connected, in series with a cycle timer or load to line 12. When coil 30 is energized, it reverses the position of pole 31 of switch '30;

The circuit thus fa described operates in the following manner. Each time a coin of the proper denomination passes through coin chute '15, coin switch 10 is momentaril-y engaged with contact 10B to deenergize control coil 17 and to energize the impulsing coil 21 of stepping switch 20. After a number of such impulses corresponding to the setting of setting switch 2 5, a series circuit is closed as follows: line 1d, switch 20, switch 25, contactor coil 30, and line 12. Conta'ctor coil 30 thereupon reverses the position of pole 31 of switch 35, to disengage contact 32 and engage contact 3-3. This opens the parallel circuit including coin switch 10, and the parallel circuit including rejector magnet coil .17.

Due to deenergization of control coil 17, the system thus rejects and returns any further coins inserted into chute 15 until the ope-rating cycle has been completed. At the same time, the reversal of contactor switch 35 energizes the load or sequence timer 40.

The sequence timer includes a normally open switch which is closed near the end of the operating cycle. Switch, or contact set, 45 is connected in by-pass or shunt relation with switches 20 and 25. Specifically, contact set 45 is connected between line 11 and a junction point 36. A single pole, double throw wipe-out coil switch 51 is connected to junction point 36, and a conductor 37 connects normally disengaged switch contact 51B to the junction point 38 of arm 27 and contractor coil 30. A wipe-out coil is connected in series between normally closed contact 51A and line 12.

When contact set or switch 45 is closed near the end of the operating cycle, coil 50 is energized to wipe ou or re-set stepping switch 20, which would cause the machine to stop running as coil 30 would no longer be energized to close switch arm 31 against contact 33, except for the following action. As wipe-out coil 50 is energized, it reverses the position of switch 51, so that current flows through switch 45, switch 51, contact 51B, and contactor coil 30, and holds switch arm 31 to contact 33 continuing the machine operation until switch 45 opens. This de-energizes the contactor coil to reverse pole 31 of switch 30 to restore the system to its prestart condition so that a new cycle can be initiated by insertion of coins into chute 15. As switch 51 disengages contact 51A, it opens the energizing circuit of coil 50-, thus preventing any possibility of burning out of wipe-out coil 50 if the sequence timer malfunctions. It will be noted that wipe-out coil 50 is energized only momentarily.

The setting of the system can be easily changed by adjusting arm 27 of switch 25 to a new position, or a wafer switch 25, preset for a different number of coins, can be substituted for the switch 25 already in the circuit, as by, for example, a simple plug-in operation.

While a specific embodiment of the invention has been shown and described in detail to illustrate the application of the invention principles, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without depanting from such principles.

What is claimed is:

1. A coin controlled timing system comprising, in combination, a coin guide; coin rejector control means connected to one terminal of a source of potential; a coin switch disposed in the path of coins movable along said coin guide and having a first position, normally connecting said coin rejector control means in series therewith, and a second position; said coin switch being momentarily operated to its second position by each coin movable along the coin guide; a double throw switch connected to the other terminal of said source and having a first position, normally connecting said coin switch to said other terminal, and a second position; a stepping switch having a movable arm, and operating means for said arm connected between the second position of said coin switch and said one terminal of said source, said operating means being impulsed by said coin switch each time the latter is operated to its second position to step said arm to sequentially engage contacts of said stepping switch; a setting switch having contacts each connected to .a corresponding contact of said stepping switch and including pre-settable switch means for selectively connecting only a selected one of its contacts to a terminal thereof; second operating means for said double throw switch effective, when energized, to reverse the position of the latter; a cycle timer load having a first terminal connected to said one terminal of said source and a second terminal connected to the second position of said double throw switch; said double throw switch, in its second position, disconnecting said coin switch from said other terminal and connecting said cycle timer load across said source; and means connecting said stepping switch, said setting switch, and said second operating means in series across said source; whereby, when said coin switch has been operated to its second position a preselected number of times, said second operating means will be energized to reverse the position of said double throw switch.

2. A coin controlled timing system comprising, in combination, a coin guide; coin rejector control means connected to one terminal of a source of potential; a coin switch disposed in the path of coins movable along said coin guide and having a first position, normally connecting said coin rejector control means in series there with, and a second position; said coin switch being momentarily operated to its second position by each coin movable along the coin guide; a double throw switch connected to the other terminal of said source and having a first position, normally connecting said coin switch to said other terminal, and a second position; a stepping switch having a movable arm, and operating means for said arm connected between the second position of said coin switch and said one terminal of said source, said operating means being impulsed by said coin switch each time the latter is operated to its second position, to step said arm to sequentially engage contacts of said stepping switch; a setting switch having contacts each connected to a corresponding contact of said stepping switch and including pre-settable switch means for selectively connecting only a selected one of its contacts to a terminal thereof; second operating means for said double throw switch effective, when energized, to reverse the position of the latter; a cycle timer load having a first terminal connected to said one terminal of said source and a second terminal connected to the second position of said double throw switch; said double throw switch, in its second position, disconnecting said coin switch from said other terminal and connecting said cycle timer load across said source; means connecting said stepping switch, said setting switch, and said second operating means in series across said source; whereby, when said coin switch has been operated to its second position a pre-selected number of times, said second operating means will be energized to reverse the position of said double throw switch; a by-pass energizing circuit including said second operating means; and a normally opened by-pass switch included in the cycle timer and connected across said source in series in said by-pass energizing circuit and in shunt with said stepping switch and said setting switch, and efiective, when closed, to complete said bypass energizing circuit for said second operating means, said bypass switch being closed by said cycle timer just before the end of each cycle, and opened by said cycle timer at the end of each cycle, to close said bypass energizing circuit during the last portion of each cycle to maintain said second operating means energized during the last part of each cycle.

3. A coin controlled timing system comprising, in combination, a coin guide; coin rejector control means connected to one terminal of a source of potential; a coin switch disposed in the path of coins movable along said coin guide and having a first position, normally connecting said coin rejector control means in series therewith, and a second position; said coin switch being momentar-ily operated to its second position by each coin movable along the coin guide; a double throw switch connected to the other terminal of said source and having a first position, normally connecting said coin switch to said other terminal, and a second position; a stepping switch having a movable arm, and operating means for said arm connected between the second position of said coin switch and said one terminal of said source, said operating means being impulsed by said coin switch each time the latter is operated to its second position, to step said arm to sequentially engage contacts of said stepping switch; a setting switch having contacts each connected to a corresponding contact of said stepping switch and including pre-settable switch means for selectively connecting only a selected one of its contacts to a terminal thereof; second operating means for said double throw switch effective, when energized, to reverse the position of the latter; a cycle timer load having a first terminal connected to said one terminal of said source and a second terminal connected to the second position of said double throw switch; said double throw switch, in its second position, disconnecting said coin switch from said other terminal and connecting said cycle timer load across said source; means connecting said stepping switch, said setting switch, and said second operating means in series across said source; whereby, when said coin switch has been operated to its second position a preselected number of times, said second operating means will be energized to reverse the position of said double throw switch; a by-pass energizing circuit including said second operating means; a normally open by-pass switch included in the cycle timer and connected across said source in series in said by-pass energizing circuit and in shunt with said stepping switch and said setting switch, and efiective, when closed, to complete said bypass energizing circuit, said bypass switch being closed by said cycle timer near the end of each cycle, and being opened by said cycle timer at the end of each cycle, to close said bypass energizing circuit during the latter part of each cycle; and a stepping switch wipe-out means connected to said one terminal and in series with said bypass switch and in parallel with said second operating means, and energized, upon closure of said bypass switch to re-set said stepping switch to the zero or start position.

4. A coin controlled timing system comprising, in combination, a coin guide; coin rejector control means connected to one terminal of a source of potentials; a coin switch disposed in the path of coins movable along said coin guide and having a first position, normally connecting said coin rejector control means in series therewith, and a second position; said coin switch being momentarily operated to its second position by each coin movable along the coin guide; a double throw switch connected to the other terminal of said source and having a first position, normally connecting said coin switch to said other terminal, and a second position; a stepping switch having a movable arm, and operating means for said arm connected between the second position of said coin switch and said one terminal of said source, said operating means being impulsed by said coin switch each time the latter is operated to its second position, to step said arm to sequentially engage contacts of said stepping switch; a setting switch having contacts each connected to a corresponding contact of said stepping switch and including pre-settable switch means for selectively connecting only a selected one of its contacts to a terminal thereof; second operating means for said double throw switch eifective, when energized, to reverse the position of the latter; a cycle timer load having a first terminal connected to said one terminal of said source and a second terminal connected to the second position of said double throw switch; said (double throw switch, in is second position, disconnecting said coin switch from said other terminal and connecting said cycle timer load across said source; means connecting said stepping switch, said setting switch, and said second openating means in series across said source; whereby, when said coin switch has been operated to its second position a preselected number of times, said second operating means will be energized to reverse the position of said double throw switch; a by-pass energizing circuit including said second operating means; a normally open by-pass switch included in the cycle timer and connected across said source in series in said by-pass energizing circuit and in shunt with said stepping switch and said setting switch, and effective, when closed by said cycle timer, to complete said bypass energizing circuit, a stepping switch wipe-out means connected in series with said by-pass switch and in parallel with said second operating means, and energized, upon closure of said by-pass switch to re-set said stepping switch to the zero or start position; and a single pole, double throw wipe out switch, connected in series with said by-pass switch and having a first position normally connecting said by-pass switch in series with said wipe-out means across said source, and a second position completing said by-pass energizing circuit by connecting said by-pass switch in series with said second operating means; said wipe-out switch being operated to its second position by said wipe-out means when the latter is energized.

5. A system as claimed in claim 1 in which said double throw switch is a contactor and said second operating means is a contactor operating coil.

6. A system as claimed in claim 1 in which said coin rejector control means is a coin'rejector magnet coil.

7. A system as claimed in claim 11 in which said setting switch is a wafer switch.

Breither et al. Nov. 5, 1946 Caruso Apr. 15, 1952 

1. A COIN CONTROLLED TIMING SYSTEM COMPRISING, IN COMBINATION, A COIN GUIDE; COIN REJECTOR CONTROL MEANS CONNECTED TO ONE TERMINAL OF POTENTIAL; A COINENTIAL; A COIN SWITCH DISPOSED IN THE PATH OF COINS MOVABLE ALONG SAID COIN GUIDE AND HAVING A FIRST POSITION, NORMALLY CONNECTING SAID COIN REJECTOR CONTROL MEANS IN SERIES THEREWITH, AND A SECOND POSITION; SAID COIN SWITCH BEING MOMENTARILY OPERATED TO ITS SECOND POSITION BY EACH COIN MOVABLE ALONG THE COIN GUIDE; A DOUBLE THROW SWITCH CONNECTED TO THE OTHER TERMINAL OF SAID SOURCE AND HAVING A FIRST POSITION, NORMALLY CONNECTING SAID COIN SWITCH TO SAID OTHER TERMINAL, AND A SECOND POSITION; A STEPPING SWITCH HAVING A MOVABLE ARM, AND OPERATING MEANS FOR SAID ARM CONNECTED BETWEEN THE SECOND POSITION OF SAID COIN SWITCH AND SAID ONE TERMINAL OF SID SOURCE, SAID OPERATING MEANS BEING IMPULSED BY SAID COIN SWITCH EACH TIME THE LATTER IS OPERATED TO ITS SECOND POSTION TO STEP SAID ARM TO SEQUENTIALLY ENGAGE CONTACTS OF SAID STEPPING SWITCH; A SETTING SWITCH HAVING CONTACTS EACH CONNECTED TO A CORRESPONDING CONTACT OF SAID STEPPING SWITCH AN INCLUDING PRE-SETTABLE SWITCH MEANS FOR SELECTIVELY CONNECTING ONLY A SELECTED ONE OF ITS CONTACTS TO A TERMINAL THEREOF; SECOND OPERATING MEANS 